Tissue Grafts

Solving gum recession with predictable tissue grafting

If your teeth are at risk of being lost due to progressive gum recession, tissue-grafting procedures can preserve your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile!

What is gum recession?

In a healthy mouth, the gum tissues completely cover the roots of teeth. Gum disease may leave the roots of teeth exposed as gums are pulled away from the teeth. If left untreated, this may cause a patient to experience pain or even lose the tooth.

How does tissue grafting help?

Tissue grafting is one of the most commonly performed types of gum surgery. This procedure seeks to reinforce weakening gum tissues with thicker tissue taken from a different location. Tissue grafting procedures also seek to cover exposed roots and improve the appearance of a patient’s smile.

Tissue Graft 6 Weeks After Treatment by Dr. Alger

What should I expect?

Dr. Alger prefers to utilize the patient’s own tissue when gum grafting procedures are necessary. That is because research shows that this approach is significantly more predictable than using other donor materials. Tissue grafting can be accomplished quickly, with minimal discomfort to the patient. If a tissue grafting procedure is recommended, here is what you can expect:

Prior to surgery, Dr. Alger will discuss the treatment with you in specific detail.

You will be given a local anesthetic and will also have the option of safe, conscious sedation for improved relaxation and comfort.

Dr. Alger will gently obtain the graft from the tissues just next to your upper teeth. Patients are generally surprised at how quickly and easily this is achieved.

The donor tissue is then secured into place, with delicate sutures.

Mild discomfort may be experienced for the first several days following treatment.

Is tissue grafting right for me?

You might be a candidate for tissue grafting procedures if your gum recession is worsening over time. After performing an oral examination, Dr. Alger will discuss in thorough detail the risk posed to your teeth by gum recession. Working together, a plan of treatment will be decided upon that saves your teeth and rebuilds your healthy smile!